TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
e. Division or Partition Bulkheads. Division or partition bulkheads are used in LASH lighters wherever required by
compatibility requirements and cargo configuration. Construction details for these bulkheads are described in paragraphs
7-5 and 7-6. For compatibility purposes, present Coast Guard policy considers a LASH lighter equivalent to a
compartment on a merchant ship.
f. Full-Block Structures. Voids that occur within the cargo stow should be shored in accordance with the block-stow
void shoring techniques detailed in paragraph 8-3c. Normally, two 4by 4-inch uprights should be positioned against each
stack of unit loads on the sides of the void. The uprights are then kicked against each other, with 4by 4-inch lumber, and
laced together with 1by 6or 2by 4inch material. If the staggered block-stow pattern is used, the void will occur along the
side of the barge, and 2by 4-inch uprights may be used on the side of the full-block structure against the steel hull. In the
event that the modified block-stow pattern is used, top tier voids can be shored with the fullblock structures described in
paragraph 8-5b. It should be noted that face boards are used to resist forces in opposite direction of the kickers and must
be cut to the exact width of the unit loads. As described in paragraph 8-5a, void tables are constructed where needed for
lower tier voids. The height and width of the tables should match those of the adjacent unit loads. Both the full-block
structure face-board assemblies and the void tables may be fabricated in advance for specific unit loads.
g. Tomming. The tomming of loose cylindrical, light, or shock sensitive items aboard a LASH barge is difficult
because of' the absence of overhead structures. The A-frame tomming structures described previously in paragraph 8-
9a may be used at the fore and aft areas of the barge since the small deck area provides a limited overhead structure.
For cargo that is stowed in the square of the hatch, and reaches the hatch covers in height, the tomming specified in
paragraph 7-9c must be used. In other situations, the use of wire-rope tiedowns and turnbuckles is recommended. The
recessed tiedown fittings located along the dull of the barge TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2 should be used for
hook-in points, and dunnage should be placed over the cargo to prevent chafing.
10-7. Lighters
Lighters are used at ammunition outloading activities when it is not feasible to bring the merchant or ammunition ships
alongside the dock for loading or unloading. Barges can also transport ordnance from one dock to other docks or to other
loading activities, or from docks to combatant ships at anchorage. The three types of lighters presently in service are YC
lighters, YFN lighters, and modified YFN lighters (figs 10-15 through 10-17). Any of these lighters can be used for
transporting the ammunition loads covered in this manual.
a. YC Lighter. This lighter is an open (uncovered) lighter normally used only during fair weather for cargo that is not
weather sensitive.
b. YFN Lighter. This lighter has a shedlike deckhouse which protects the cargo during foul weather. It is suitable
for operations when stowage aboard the lighter may last for several days. Four hatches provide access to the interior of
the lighter.
c. Modified YFN Lighter. This lighter is an improved version of the standard YFN. Additional features include a
hatch with a 12by 40-foot opening on the center line of the deckhouse to facilitate handling of long missile containers.
Tiedowns are conveniently located to secure missile containers and missile component containers with cables and
straps.
10-8. Preliminary Operations Prepare lighters for loading as follows:
a. Clear the lighter deck of all materials not required by the operation.
b. Consult the load plan for the arrangement of unit loads to be stowed aboard the lighter. In the load plan, cargo is
arranged based on destination of the lighter (since unloading methods may require different hatch areas to be kept clear)
as well as trim and stability of the barge. Stowage and blocking and bracing of ammunition in barges for movement in
oceans, bays, and rivers must be in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations.
10-17
